DIHEX 2026 — Davao del Norte International Halal Exhibition
DavNor Gymnasium, Barangay Mankilam, Tagum City, Davao del Norte, Philippines
DIHEX 2026 — Davao del Norte International Halal Exhibition
- Date
- 16 - 18 October 2026
- Venue
- DavNor Gymnasium, Barangay Mankilam, Tagum City, Davao del Norte, Philippines
- Activities
- Exhibition, Halal Forum, Business Matching & Malaysian Food Bazaar
The Official Malaysian Business Delegation to the Philippines
DIHEX 2026 is Davao del Norte's international Halal exhibition — three days of exhibition, business forum, business matching and a Malaysian Food Bazaar at the DavNor Gymnasium, Tagum City.
MFHI joins as a collaborating partner and brings the Malaysia Food Heritage & Food Tourism Pavilion to the exhibition floor. Organised by Pronext Ventures Sdn Bhd together with SMA Ecogreen.
About DIHEX 2026
The Davao del Norte International Halal Exhibition is proposed to take place on 16–18 October 2026 in Davao del Norte, the Philippines.
During the expo there will be exhibitions, a forum, business-to-business meetings and a Malaysian Bazaar.
The organisers expect participation of approximately 10,000 to 20,000 foreign investors, local investors and local businesses focusing on the Halal sector.
Objectives
- Attract key players to establish connected Halal industrial zones.
- Position Davao del Norte as Mindanao's leading Halal hub under the 2023–2028 Strategic Plan.
- Leverage the Philippines' location to drive regional market growth.
- Facilitate seamless Halal trade between Malaysia, the Philippines and OIC markets.
- Build an integrated, end-to-end Halal supply chain network.
Why This Market
Two questions the organisers' deck answers before anything else: why the Philippines, and why Davao del Norte.
Why the Philippines
A large and growing consumer market, with increasing opportunities for Halal products, food and beverages, tourism, logistics and manufacturing. The country's growing focus on Halal industry development creates new room for exports, distribution and partnerships.
Why Davao del Norte
Strategically positioned within Mindanao and developing its potential as an emerging Halal hub, supported by agriculture, trade, logistics and a growing business ecosystem. Entering early means understanding the market and building local connections while that ecosystem is still forming.
The Philippine Halal Market
Manila held the Manila Halal Festival in March 2026 to promote Halal certification for SMEs and expand food tourism. The Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) intends to create a Halal-focused economic zone. The first shipment of Halal agro-food goods to the Philippines was valued at around RM338,408, according to FAMA.
The Size of the Muslim Market
Of the Philippines' 109 million people (2020 Census), an estimated 6.9 to 7.0 million are Muslim — 6.4 percent — and the vast majority reside in Mindanao. The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region alone is 90.9 percent Muslim, some 4.49 million people.
What Happens There
Six programme components, all running within the same three days.
International Exhibition
The exhibition floor at the DavNor Gymnasium, officially opened on the morning of 16 October and running all three days — including the Malaysia Food Heritage & Food Tourism Pavilion.
Business Matching
Structured business matching at the Business Matching Lounge on all three days, with long afternoon blocks set aside for scheduled meetings.
Malaysian Food Bazaar
A dedicated bazaar area for Malaysian food vendors, opening alongside the pavilion on 16 October and trading throughout the day.
Cultural Performance
Cultural performance as part of the expo's official programme.
Networking Dinner
A networking dinner bringing the Malaysian delegation together with local officials, buyers and business partners.
City Tour
A city tour for delegates to see Tagum City and Davao del Norte beyond the exhibition hall.
Targeted Sectors
Seven sectors are the focus of DIHEX 2026 — all of them fields Malaysian entrepreneurs already work in.
- Halal Food & Beverages
- Halal Pharmaceuticals & Cosmetics
- Halal Logistics & Cold Chain
- Halal Tourism
- Halal Certification & Compliance
- Islamic Finance & Fintech
- Halal Industrial & Manufacturing
Choose How You Want to Participate
Three participation packages. All prices EXCLUDE flights and accommodation.
Package 1 — Exhibitor
International exhibition and business delegate in one package, with a 3 m × 3 m booth. RM15,000 for one company, two people. Flights and accommodation excluded.
Package 2 — Malaysian Food Bazaar
A dedicated food bazaar booth: a 10 ft × 10 ft canopy with table. RM16,000 for one booth, two people. Flights and accommodation excluded.
Package 3 — Business Delegate
Forum, business matching, networking and market exploration, without a booth. RM5,000 per person. Flights and accommodation excluded.
50% Booth Subsidy for Malaysian SMEs
Special booth subsidy support is being extended to eligible Malaysian SMEs participating in DIHEX 2026.
Allocation is limited, and subject to eligibility, quota and applicable terms.
Register your interest early so the organising team can check your eligibility before the allocation is taken up.
Tentative Itinerary
Four days for exhibitors: one preparation day before the expo opens, then three programme days.
Thursday, 15 October — Preparation
Delegation registration and event preparation from 9.00 am. Exhibitor booth and Malaysian Food Bazaar set-up from 1.00 pm. Malaysian delegation and exhibitor briefing at 5.00 pm.
Day 1 — Friday, 16 October
Official opening ceremony at 9.00 am on the main stage. The international exhibition, the Malaysia Food Heritage & Food Tourism Pavilion and the Malaysian Food Bazaar open at 10.30 am. International Halal Business Forum sessions 1 and 2, business pitching, and structured business matching until 5.00 pm.
Day 2 — Saturday, 17 October
Exhibition and pavilion open at 9.00 am. Forum sessions 3 and 4, business pitching sessions 3 and 4, and three blocks of structured business matching. Exhibition, pavilion and bazaar run throughout the day until 5.00 pm.
Day 3 — Sunday, 18 October
Final forum session and final pitching in the morning. Final business matching sessions until 12.30 pm, followed by closing networking. The official programme ends at 2.00 pm, with booth dismantling from then on.
The itinerary is subject to change by the organisers.
Who Is Expected to Attend
The organisers expect attendance from the public and private sectors, on both the Malaysian and Philippine sides.
- Ministers and Deputy Ministers
- Government agencies and government secretaries
- Chambers of commerce and trade associations
- Investors
- Policy makers
- Expatriates
- Academicians and students
- Entrepreneurs and business owners
See You in Davao
One delegation, multiple business opportunities — exhibit, pitch, connect, learn, expand.
Your Philippine market journey starts here.
16 - 18 October 2026DavNor Gymnasium, Barangay Mankilam, Tagum City, Davao del Norte, Philippines